Government to review airport drop-off charges following sharp price increases

Consumer Editor

4 minute read|15th Oct 2026

The Government has announced a review into airport drop-off charges, following years of price rises across the UK.

Sixteen of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have increased passenger drop-off charges over the past 12 months, with the average cost rising by a third since last summer to £7, up £1.70.

London Gatwick and Stansted are the most expensive at £10, followed by Edinburgh and Bristol (£8.50), and Leeds Bradford, London City and Bournemouth (£8). On a per-minute basis, London City tops the list at £1.60 per minute, ahead of Manchester (£1.10) and Gatwick (£1).

Only four airports – Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton – have kept prices unchanged. With London City introducing a charge for the first time, all 20 of the UK’s busiest airports now charge for terminal drop-offs. Before the Covid pandemic, six still offered free drop-offs.

This contrasts with many major overseas airports. None of the EU’s 10 busiest airports charge drivers to drop off passengers, while the same is true at major international hubs including Atlanta, Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “This will be music to the ears of drivers, as we know airport drop-off charges are a growing source of anger and frustration.

“We’ve brought national attention to the issue by calling out these fees over many years, so are pleased they will now be scrutinised. Four-in-five drivers we’ve surveyed believe they are a 'rip-off’, with just one-in-10 understanding why airports charge what they do.

“Our most recent analysis found 16 of the top 20 UK airports increased their drop-off fees between this summer and last, with average prices rising by a third to £7. But such ‘farewell fees’ are at direct odds with most other major airports overseas, where drivers can drop passengers off close to terminals free of charge.

“If convenient, free drop-off zones work at so many international airports, why not here in the UK?"

In a BBC News interview, Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, said: "Airports outside the UK are typically publicly owned and in receipt of state subsidies and tax exemptions, while UK airports are generally privately owned and subject to the full array of commercial rates of taxation."

Supporters of the rising fees have stated that the fees encourage travellers to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport, as well as reduce congestion near major airports.

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